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Minor Threat

Orange County, CA USA

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Posted: 06/19/12 11:49pm

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I want to either install some 12v powered speakers or find a boombox that operates using a cigarette lighter adapter and isn't power hungry. I have an IPOD for audio source. We dry camp frequently so the power consumption is a big factor but then I don't want transistor am radio sound either.

"Friendship is like pissing your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel its true warmth."

beemerphile1

I'm 57, I'm not a

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Posted: 06/20/12 05:44am

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Many people add a car stereo and speakers. Operates on 12v and some have a jack for the Ipod.

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
- Soren Kierkegaard

2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900/1998 Ford E150 4.6L = 8MPG
2009 Aliner Sport/2009 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L = 22MPG

RoyB

King George, VA

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Posted: 06/20/12 06:36am

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My POPUP has the Jensen auto AM/FM radio installed. I think it also has an alternate input - got a black cord hanging down in the back for something...

This radio has inside dual speakers in the seating area of our POPUP and then has the fader switch to operate dual stereo outside side spearkers mounted in the wall of the trailer. The two black round things you can see above the trailer wheel is the outside speakers... Sounds great, lots of volume, and works great... Dont know if you can see it or not but I have a "rubber ducky" car antenna installed on the rear corner of the popup in the photo shown below...

I installed a separate "rocker" switch from Radio Shack to act as the auto ignition key switch so that I could keep all the car radio memory presets active.

closeup showing the speakers...

Shows the Jensen radio installed next to door and you can also see the interior dual speakers installed under the wrap around seating area. My Radio Shack on-off lever switch is installed to the right of the Jensen radio in this photo.

photo from google images

photo from google images

* This post was last edited 06/20/12 06:57am by RoyB * View edit history

My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - PM me
Roy and Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS
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Minor Threat

Orange County, CA USA

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Posted: 06/20/12 12:43pm

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Here is what I found to start off with...

Wall mount 12v socket (under $10.00 online)
3.1A dual USB car charger (under $10.00 online)
Logitech Z120 USB powered speakers ($10.00 TigerDirect)

If these speakers sound crappy we'll move to the Altec Lansing puck style or whatever else is available.

* This post was edited 06/20/12 01:45pm by Minor Threat *

bondebond

Searcy, AR

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Posted: 06/20/12 02:29pm

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Those little speakers get good reviews for what they are. In thinking about your project, it reminds me of a To Do on my list that is further down: install a flush-mount USB charging port on a wall or three in the PUP.

I have yet to find one for 12v systems that is just the USB port as a self-contained outlet. I could go the route you are considering, with a standard 12v socket and plug-in USB charger adapter, but I want it a little more purpose-built.

I have found How-To articles on building it yourself (which is why it is on down my To Do list quite a bit).

My desire would be to install it towards the top of the bunk-end wall that I can then use a standard USB to micro USB cord to reach my side of the bed for late night use and charging...just because.

Currently, I plug a standard wall wart into the closest 120v and can barely reach her side of the bed - not anywhere close to my side. But since that front wall is so thin (interior to exterior), I think I will have to build my own and solder up the connections at 90 degrees from the vertical wall face so they don't extend very far.

Some people collect stamps for fun...this is the kind of stuff I like to do.

And like you, Roy, I added a "kill" switch for the radio, even for when we're not on the grid. I hate the large glowing display at night.

This space left intentionally.

2006 Fleetwood Sequoia and mods...one of the tallest highwall pop-ups on the planet after flipping the axle.

Minor Threat

Orange County, CA USA

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Posted: 06/20/12 03:11pm

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Bondebond...My thinking is multi purpose rather than specific. I can run a little compressor for filling innertubes or any other car charger accessory from the outlet when off the grid and the tow vehicle isn't around. One near each bunk end and one outside either in the fridge compartment or one of the others. There are marine grade outlets with a little cap for when not in use.

RoyB

King George, VA

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Posted: 06/20/12 03:41pm

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The only wire melting thing I have ever had in my POPUP was associated with a 12VDC socket running a small TV set. Bad connections I guess... Over heated the wiring and smoked until it heated up the solder in the wiring and finally disconnected itself.

I wont have one in my trailer after that... I am hardwired to all my 12VDC requirements and the only cigarette lighter plug I have I guess is on the OTA TV plate.

My 12VDC Q-Industries MV50 air compressor comes in a nice handy pouch and has 12VDC clips on it. I can sit it near the battery terminals and the long air hose will go around to both my trailer tires and my truck tires. I also use this compressor to blow out my water lines when it gets freezing outside.

Just about all our toys are 120VAC and I run a couple of INVERTERS that run from my small battery bank when camping of the power grid.

Love camping off the power grid....

larson6

Eldon, MO

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Posted: 06/20/12 04:38pm

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RoyB wrote:

closeup showing the speakers...

photo from google images

Thanks for the pics. I've had a head unit installed in my pop up for a few years but have been using 6x9's in boxes that I have to drag out from under the dinette and set somewhere because I couldn't decide where to mount speakers. You gave me a good idea there with the wrap around dinette.

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2008=28
2009=25
2010=25
2011=22